Gluten is the protein found in certain grains -- specifically wheat, rye and barley -- and foods made from these grains. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that feeds on all different forms of sugar. When grains are highly refined and processed, in foods such as pasta or bread, your body can quickly convert them to sugar; and at that point, the Candida could easily feed off gluten-containing foods.
Candida Albicans
Hundreds of different bacteria live in your body, which maintains a balance between harmful and beneficial bacteria -- until something disrupts that balance. Antibiotics, certain medications, a diet high in simple sugars or illnesses such as diabetes can create an imbalance that allows Candida to flourish. A Candida overgrowth can lead to a vaginal yeast infection, diaper rash, jock itch, oral thrush, canker sores or athlete's foot. Fortunately you can often control or prevent future Candida problems with dietary changes and simple anti-fungal medications.
Candida and Sugar
Candida thrives on sugar and the most important aspect of a long-term Candida diet is the elimination of as much sugar as possible. In this case, sugar means much more than just white table sugar; it includes anything your body can rapidly convert to sugar, including fructose -- the natural sugar found in fruit and lactose -- the natural sugar found in dairy products. Starchy vegetables and refined flours made from any type of grain, including wheat, rye, barley or rice can easily become sugar in your body and must be restricted.
Gluten
Gluten is not what feeds Candida -- gluten is a protein and Candida feeds on sugar. But when gluten-containing grains are processed and highly refined, Candida will thrive on those simple carbohydrates. Products that contain gluten often also contain yeast or sugar, both of which should be eliminated on a Candida diet. Although most Candida diets recommend elimination of all grains, some protocols allow sprouted grains, which are whole grains that have been soaked. Soaked grains are very high in fiber, which slows digestion and the production of blood sugar. Your tolerance for grains will be based on your unique health issues; if you incorporate grains into your diet, start with sprouted and whole grains. If the Candida overgrowth returns, you may have to eliminate them from the menu.
Preventing Candida
Eliminating simple carbohydrates will help kill Candida albicans by depriving them of the substance they feed on -- sugar. But adding fermented foods with their naturally occurring probiotics will also help fight Candida. You can crowd out harmful bacteria by replenishing the beneficial bacteria that keep Candida in check. Although most dairy foods are discouraged on a Candida diet, the exceptions are yogurt and kefir, which contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, a strain of friendly bacteria that discourages Candida growth.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; 2011
- "The New York Times"; Advertise on NYTimes.com Jury Is Still Out on Gluten, the Latest Dietary Villain; Kate Murphy; May 8, 2007
- The Body Ecology Diet; The Risks of Consuming Typical Grains & the Healthy Grains to Choose Instead; December 2006
